Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
The Lion of the Marathas
A grand Shivaji Maharaj royal tableau built exactly around the new brief: golden-and-dark-red lion throne, 4 Pinga dancers, 4 white-and-silver male fight artists, 1 king, 2 big diyas and 2 big T-fans — 13 artists in one premium royal frame.
The whole act now opens as a visibly new Shivaji Maharaj theme: a lion throne in gold and dark royal red dominates the set, two giant diyas burn on either side, two large T-fans create a ceremonial royal frame, Pinga girls whirl in front, and four male sword-fight artists in white-and-silver costumes perform around the king.
The Shivaji Maharaj Act
A 12-minute showpiece anchored by a colossal golden lion throne in royal red, flanked by two giant T-fans and two grand diya towers — with 4 pinga dancers whirling at centre and 4 sword-fight artists duelling around them. 13 artists in total, locked into perfect royal symmetry.
The Golden Lion Throne
Hand-sculpted lion throne in gold and deep royal red — a colossal roaring-lion crest dominates the backdrop, flanked by carved horse heads and a radiating fan of ceremonial weapons. Ornate carved staircase leads up to the royal seat where Shivaji Maharaj is enthroned.
Pinga Whirl Ensemble
Four female classical dancers in magenta-and-gold nauvari sarees with heavy Maharashtrian temple jewellery and nath, performing a traditional Pinga whirling circle dance at the foot of the throne in tight synchronised rotation.
Maratha Sword Combat Quartet
Four adult male combat artists dressed in pure white-and-silver — white silk kurta with silver zari, white dhoti and white-and-silver Mavla pheta turbans — performing a live stage-choreographed talwar-and-shield sword fight sequence around the throne. Sparks, clashes, and a final freeze salute to the Maharaj.
Twin Diyas & T-Fans
Two grand multi-tier diya towers lit with real flame and two large gold-handled ceremonial T-fans (morchhal) frame the throne in mirror symmetry — bearers stand still in royal attire as the dance and combat unfold between them.
- 01Drum heralds and conch open the avenue in low torchlight
- 02Two giant T-fans enter, bearers flanking the central path
- 03Two grand diya towers are carried in and placed either side of the throne
- 04Four pinga dancers spin into the centre in a tight whirling circle
- 05Four sword-fight artists ignite a live combat sequence around the pinga ring
- 06Shivaji Maharaj is revealed on the golden lion throne — climax tableau with chant and pyro
- Lead Shivaji Maharaj — royal ivory-white angarakha with silver zari, dark-red velvet stole, gold chest armour, Mavla pheta turban with pearl drop and jewelled aigrette, ceremonial talwar at the waist
- 4 Pinga girls — magenta-and-gold nauvari sarees with gold zari border, traditional Maharashtrian temple jewellery, nath, gajra in hair, ghungroos
- 4 sword-fight artists — pure white silk kurta with silver zari trim, white dhoti, white-and-silver Mavla pheta turban, silver leather waist belt with scabbard, stage-safe Maratha talwar and wooden shield (white-and-silver royal combination)
- Centrepiece golden Lion Throne in dark royal red — colossal roaring-lion crest, sculpted royal horse heads at the base, ornate carved staircase, royal weapons radiating behind the seat
- 2 large T-fans (morchhal-style) — gold-handled ceremonial fans carried on either side of the throne
- 2 grand diya towers — multi-tier pyramidal diya stands lit with real flame, carried/placed flanking the throne
- Stage-safe Maratha talwars and round wooden shields with brass bosses (for the 4 fight artists)
- Saffron Bhagwa Dhwaj standards at the rear of the throne
Bronzed royal complexion for the Maharaj with kohl-rimmed eyes and saffron-sandalwood tilak. Pinga girls in classic Maharashtrian bridal makeup — bold red bindi, kajal, deep berry lip. Fight artists in matte bronze with a single saffron streak across the brow.
Pre-recorded cinematic Maratha score — Powada war-ballad chants, dhol-tasha percussion and shehnai layered with orchestral strings, building to a roaring crescendo as the throne is revealed. No live musicians on stage.
Throne dead centre, two T-fans and two diya towers framing it in perfect symmetry, pinga girls in an inner whirling circle, sword-fight artists duelling in an outer square — entire tableau locks into a single still salute at climax.
Lighting in deep amber and royal red with golden uplight on the lion crest. Cold-spark fountains line the runway, haze underscores the diya glow. The entire act reads as one cinematic oil painting in motion — 13 artists, perfect symmetry, zero clutter.